Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has lauded Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong for playing his part in an eye-catching victory over Belgium on Friday night.
While one former United player, Memphis Depay, took the headlines with two goals to settle that Nations League opener in Brussels, it was a potentially future Old Trafford star in De Jong that caught the eye as far as the national team coach is concerned. De Jong played the entire 90 minutes as the Netherlands won 4-1.
United continue to weigh up De Jong as part of their much-needed rebuild under Erik ten Hag, his mentor and one time manager for Ajax. Barcelona are open to selling the 24-year-old.
READ MORE: Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong opens up on Erik ten Hag relationship
However, when it comes to negotiating a price for De Jong ahead of his proposed summer move, Barcelona might be forced to reassess after watching their man put in another commanding display in the Netherlands engine room. He was the most central of three midfielders deployed by Van Gaal.
During his post-match interview, the former United manager told NOS: "It is always a victory for the collective, but there are people who can excel in the collective which is of course great. There are always stars in certain matches, but in this one, Frenkie de Jong and Steven Bergwijn, that was incredible how those two played."
After overcoming Belgium in such compelling fashion, the Netherlands continue their Group A4 charge with games against Wales (twice) and Poland before the June break ends.
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